Most know the Summer Solstice as the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its highest vitality, yet it starts its descent to the underworld. The Celtic Wheel of the Year teaches us that the Summer Solstice takes place on either June 20th or 21st. This is the time of the year when we stoke the fires and honor the Sun God for protection, fertility, and a good harvest. In Ancient Roman Tradition, the goddess of the Hearth Vesta, was worshipped.
The Celtic lore tells the story of the Oak King and the Holly King who battled to rule, the result ending in the Oak King ruling until the Summer Solstice, where then defeated by the Holly Kin,g who rules until Yule. This is also a time of the faeries, an area I am still exploring. It is shared that the veil to their realm is easily crossed during the solstice times, so be aware of certain signs and openings if you spend your time outside during the Solstice weekend.
The Summer Solstice is a time that asks us to nurture the seeds we planted in the Spring, whether that is in the garden or in our own lives. To stoke the flames of our own inner vitality as we transition into the season of Summer. There are a number of plants that show up during this next season that are beautiful allies, especially for those who are finding it hard to embrace the light during this time of year.
San Giovanni (St. John the Baptist)
The Eve of San Giovanni is a great example of the woven intersections of ancient practices, the influence of the Church, and modern adaptation.
The Feast of Saint John the Baptist takes place on the night of June 23rd through June 24th, overlapping with the Summer Solstice. In Italy, a procession of the Saint in Florence takes place as well as a celebration. St. John (San Giovanni), who was born six months before Jesus. I don’t think there is a coincidence in the symbolism of Winter Solstice with Jesus and Summer Solstice with St. John.
In Roman Catholic tradition, he is the patron saint of baptisms, and is prayed to for support in guidance, courage, and growth.
The Eve of San Giovanni is the day I work with the most in my practice. Since St. John the Baptist is associated with baptisms, he is also associated with the element of water. A practice around this time is to make Acqua Di San Giovanni.
How to Make Acqua Di San Giovanni
It is said that the dew that collects on the flowers in the morning is magical. I recently learned from my teacher Lisa Fazio to collect 9 flowers, although previously I collected to cover the bowl; this is something I will be implementing this year.
I use a clear bowl and fill it with spring or distilled water. I then collect the flowers of my choice. This year I will be working with Rose, Rue, Mugwort, and Yarrow from my garden, and I will place them in the bowl. This bowl will be left out overnight in the moonlight and strained into an amber bottle the next day to be used for cleansing on myself, my tools, and my home.
Another thing I did to honor this time of year was make an anointing oil in the essence of San Giovanni by infusing specific plants in olive oil, inspiration, creation, empowerment, light internal fire.
Anointing oil is a charged blend of oils, herbs, or resins used in witchcraft to boost spell power. It's applied to candles to infuse them with intent, or dabbed on the body, like the wrists, third eye, or heart, to align your energy with the spell’s purpose.
Plants of the Summer
By this point of the year, some of our plant friends have gone to flower and are ready to harvest on a surface level. On a deeper level, this is a time to sit and connect with the plants, get to know them, and pay attention to what is showing up around you. Below, I am listing a few of the plants that shine bright during this season.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort, otherwise known as Hypericum perforatum, was named after St. John the Baptist. Recently, I learned from my teacher Lisa Fazio that this lovely plant was named after the Titan Sun god, Hyperion, and his son Helios.
To me, this plant is the embodiment of sunshine. It is known to support those facing depression seasonally or full-time, although it does interact with medications for depression. This plant is great to work with as a flower essence or tincture if able. It has a way of pulling us out of the darkness and instilling a little joy and hope when needed. During the Summer Solstice, this plant was thrown into the fires for protection and to ward off evil spirits.
Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris)
This special plant was named after the Goddess Artemis and is an energy she carries proudly. Mugwort grows abundantly here in the Northeast and can be found along the edges of forests. She grows tall and in clusters, which to me is very true to her protective nature. She has been used for protection and in apotropaic medicine.
If you were to look under her leaves, you would see a silver shine symbolic of her being ruled by the moon. Mugwort has been used with a lot of dreamwork and support for the third eye. She is a powerful ally to the menstrual cycle and support of flow.
Rose (Rosa Spp.)
Rose is a beautiful ally for this time of year due to her cooling properties. She is supportive to inflammation in the body and her anti-spasmodic actions when sick.
There are many species of roses, but one thing they all have in common is their energetic support to the heart space. Rose has a way of bringing upliftment in uncertainty, tending to both physical and spiritual grief, and easing a heavy heart.
There are many, many other herbs to work with during this season, but these are a few of my favorites and which I have personally worked with during this time of year. It is important to remember to learn which plant you meet and make note of how you and your energy interact with the plant.
I wish you all a blessed Solstice!